Taking a mid-summer break might seem like a no-brainer to most, but for a chef at a country club it can simply be impossible. Fortunately for me, I had an opportunity on the horizon – three days off and a husband who was willing to drive. We decided to hit the beach along Cape Cod, heading to one of its most northern towns, Provincetown.
Provincetown, also known as P-town, is a great place to go. It’s perfect for unwinding with a ton of things to do from sailing, shopping, swimming, walking, checking out the art scene, hitting the day spa and, of course, eating.
That last pastime on the list is always important, but discovering the food scene in a new place can sometimes be nerve-wracking. I tell my husband we are spoiled…spoiled in a sense that we choose to eat good quality food and we like to have the best of the best. Seeking out what fits those criteria on a daily basis at home can become so routine we forget to do it. So being thrown into a new place where all you can rely on is your true instincts, reviews from sites such as Yelp and Trip Advisor and, of course, the talk of the locals, things can get a little shaky. There is always the simple technique of following the people. Where the people are must be good food – or maybe just cheap drinks.
It turns out the food scene in P-Town is one of the best I’ve experienced in a while. Because it’s on the edge of the sea, I kept thinking everyone is going to be selling the same old lobster roll or bucket of mussels. I was seriously wrong. Every place we went to had something we couldn’t get enough of. I’d go back just to eat and lie around on the beach, honestly. And it’s not just seafood; all sorts of influences hit the food scene throughout P-Town giving each restaurant its own flair.
I’d have to say one of my favorite meals was lunch on a rainy day at a place called The Canteen. Located in a 200-year-old building it features a walk-up order counter and corky chairs placed family style where most of the time you have to wait for previous guests to finish downing their Hot Lobster Roll in order to take a seat to enjoy yours.
Yes, I said hot lobster roll. It had to be the most delicious thing I’ve eaten all year. Fresh local lobster cooked to perfection, drizzled with clarified butter on this perfect brioche top-cut perfectly toasted New England roll. My life was finally complete.
Oh, and side note, when everyone says the Brussels sprouts are to die for, they aren’t kidding. Something intriguingly different about the flavor with a subtle hint of a kick keeps you coming back for more. And that’s just what we did. Standing in line twice was totally worth every minute. My taste buds would have to agree.
So I said to myself, this week’s blog has to be a simple dish that is perfect for summer eating. What better way to celebrate a fun time had in Cape Cod than with a simple recipe for how to cook the perfect lobster? I hope you enjoy yours whichever way you like, hot or cold, but definitely alongside a group of smiling friends on the perfect summer’s evening.
How to Cook the Perfect Lobster
What you’ll need:
1 large pot with lid
1 tablespoon salt
1 1-1/2 pound lobster
Water
- Fill the pot with 2 inches of water. Add the salt. Place over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- When the water is boiling place the lobster inside of the pot, head first. Place the lid on the pot and return to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium bringing the water to a nice simmer. Continue cooking for 10 minutes with the lid on.
- The lobster shell should become bright red and the meat should become opaque. Remove from the pot with tongs and serve however desired.
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Kayleigh Van Vliet Baig was born and raised in Riverhead, where she lives with her husband Tahir and their two dogs.
Kayleigh is in her third season as Sous Chef at a private kitchen in Southampton. Not only is she second in command but her main focus is on creating, preparing and executing cold dishes such as salads, hors d’œuvres, appetizers, canapés, pâtés and terrines. Kayleigh has been in the culinary industry for the last 15 years, working her way up in kitchens on the East End. She also is a personal chef.
Look for In the Kitchen with Kayleigh every Saturday on RiverheadLOCAL.com.
Got questions? Recipes? Ideas? [contact-form-7 id=”27493″ title=”Write to Kayleigh”]
